Author(s) :

Maryam Ehsan, Rao Zahid Abbas , Muhammad Imran.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Scurvy is a nutritional disorder caused by a severe deficiency of ascorbic acid, a water-soluble vitamin. The human body is incapable of producing ascorbic acid also known as Vitamin C, due to the lack of L-gulonolactone oxidase, i.e, an essential enzyme required for the biosynthesis of ascorbic acid. Scurvy was discovered by pirates and British sailors for the first time. This leads to cutaneous skin lesions, swollen and bleeding gums, corkscrew hairs, hemorrhage, poor wound healing and blood vessel fragility. Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables can head off this condition. This review highlights the chemistry, sources, mechanism of action of ascorbic acid, and the history, consequences, and prevention of scurvy.

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3